Getting Started

FAQ: Getting Started on Software Development

• How do I get started?
• Where do I get the OpenSolaris source code and binaries?
• What am I allowed to do with the OpenSolaris source code and binaries?
• Where do I find information about setting up a build environment, getting the right tools, and actually building the source?
• How frequently is the source updated?
• I've built the code. Now what?
• I found a bug while using the OpenSolaris source code. How do I report it?
• Are security bugs handled differently than other bugs?
• How do I contribute changes to the OpenSolaris code base?
• Any recommendations about what I should work on?

How do I get started?

If you want to install OpenSolaris, visit the downloads page to choose the distribution that is best for you. If you are interested in the OpenSolaris source code, use the OpenGrok source browser to view the OpenSolaris source code.

Where do I get the OpenSolaris source code and binaries?

You can download the latest versions of the buildable OpenSolaris code from the Downloads page.  

What am I allowed to do with the OpenSolaris source code and binaries?

You can freely view, modify, build, use, and redistribute the OpenSolaris source code. Each of the binary downloads have their own licenses with different rights and restrictions. Please refer to the Licensing page for information about the license terms associated with the source code and binaries.

Where do I find information about setting up a build environment, getting the right tools, and actually building the source?

Start by reading the release notes for the build that is noted on the downloads page. The release notes tell you everything you need to know about the specific release of the OpenSolaris source code, including software requirements for building the source.

The Developers Reference document should answer most of your questions around building the source including details about the tools you need. This document will also explain how to update your system with the latest OpenSolaris binaries and just about everything else you need to know as a developer.

How frequently is the source updated?

The mirror of the operating system source repository is updated as changes are made. Other consolidations update their source tarballs on different schedules. Read the associdate pages about the ones that interest you for more detail.

I've built the code. Now what?

See the participate page for information about how to participate in and contribute to OpenSolaris.

I found a bug while using the OpenSolaris source code. How do I report it?

See the participate page for information about the two bug-tracking systems available on opensolaris.org.

Are security bugs handled differently than other bugs?

If you think you've found a possible security vulnerability in the OpenSolaris code, please alert the Sun Security Coordination Team.

How do I contribute changes to the OpenSolaris code base?

See the participate page for information about how to contribute code to OpenSolaris.

Any recommendations about what I should work on?

You may get involved directly with a project that interests you or start a project of your own. If you would like to work on bug fixes as a way to get started, the participate page has information in the section about contribution code about how to find bugs that are good places for new people to start.

OpenSolaris FAQ Center

• General
• Getting Started FAQ
• Website FAQ
• CDDL FAQ
• Binary License FAQ
• Public Documentation License FAQ
• Trademark/Logo Usage FAQ
• Oracle Contributor Agreement (OCA) FAQ
• Mercurial How-to
• opensolaris.org Website Transition FAQ
• Website Transition: User Actions FAQ